Summary

Section Five, The Aftermath: Chapters 51-54

Chapter 51: Understanding Altausee

It is still debated whether or not Hitler intended for the artwork in Altaussee to be destroyed. Whatever Hitler’s intentions, the artwork was not destroyed. Some unknown person or persons moved the explosives from the mine and collapsed the tunnels, effectively sealing the artwork off from the destructive intentions of Eigruber. It is also still debated over who had the knowledge and the opportunity to save the art. Kirstein believed it was the miners, but they lacked some of the essential knowledge. Others believe Dr. Michel, the former director of the National History Museum Vienna, was instrumental in getting the bombs removed from the mine.

The author believes, however, that architect Albert Speer had a more direct impact on the events at Altaussee. Speer convinced Hitler to change the...